National business crime reduction partnership awareness week: PCC funds initiatives to fight retail crime across the Thames Valley.
A Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) is a partnership-based approach to preventing crime and disorder. It is a subscription based, business-led, action group working with police and the local authority to tackle and reduce crime and disorder affecting businesses and the wider community.
Existing BCRPs will be able to receive a donation from the OPCC and Thames Valley Police Community Fund to continue their work.
Matthew Barber said: “I recognise the excellent work already offered by existing BCRPs in tackling and reducing business crime. This is part of our strategy to work in partnership to create strong networks to disrupt shop theft, make the night-time economy safer and bring more criminals to justice.”
The PCC joined officers this week on patrol in Milton Keynes to observe the work of Thames Valley Police in deterring criminals and supporting businesses. As part of their commitment to BCRP Week they visited several retail units in the Milton Keynes Shopping Centre, engaged with business managers, security teams, and staff to provide crime prevention advice and encourage participation in initiatives aimed at reducing theft and antisocial behaviour.
“It was great to hear about the work to focus on the top 20 offenders. Seven are now in prison, 13 awaiting court dates and now widening the list to identify and lock up more criminals. We spoke to staff about their experiences, tackle some misunderstandings and encourage more retailers to sign up to the Disc scheme to make reporting and sharing CCTV images easier”, said Matthew Barber.
Supt John Batty, Head of Community Policing and TVP lead for Retail Crime said “Business Crime Partnerships are a great way for businesses to share information on retail crime in their area and work together to reduce crime. These schemes can also make it easier for retailers to report crime to the police through software. During BCRP awareness week I would encourage businesses across TVP to look at the schemes available in their area and if they haven’t already, join one.”
There are over 250 Business Crime Reduction Partnerships (BCRPs) operating in the UK. They range in size from limited schemes operating in small towns to city wide operations with several staff and hundreds of members.
